Three of the best to be given Freedom of the Borough

Three who have excelled in their field are to be honoured with the Freedom of the Borough of Bury.

They are Lily Reid, Alan Matthews and the 207 Manchester Field Hospital, who will receive their scrolls and medallions at a special meeting of the full council on Tuesday 17 October.

Honorary Freedom is the highest civic honour that can be bestowed by the council. Among those who have been awarded the honour in recent years are the Oscar-winning film director Danny Boyle and the rock group Elbow.

• Mrs Lily Reid MBE

“In recognition of the valuable and devoted services which she has rendered to the town of Bury for over 40 years and in recognition of the work she has tirelessly carried out to raise the profile of mental health issues and support people living with mental illness and their carers across the borough of Bury. In recognition also that due to her selfless work she was given the title of the very first Bury Woman of the Year in 1998 and was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2007.”

• Mr Alan Matthews

“In recognition of the eminent, valuable and devoted services which he has rendered to the Bury Metropolitan Borough as a member of the council for 38 years and in recognition of the service he has provided the residents of Besses ward with distinction and dedication including holding the office of Mayor of the Borough from May 1989 to May 1990.”

• The 207 Manchester Field Hospital

“In recognition of the service given to support national security requirements and the hard work and dedication to recruit, train and provide medical professional and other volunteers from the borough of Bury to British military operations in times of conflict or humanitarian need. In recognition of the strong links forged with local businesses and the local community to provide developmental opportunities and community based activities.”

Councillor Dorothy Gunther, the Mayor of Bury, said: “All three have a long record of outstanding work in the community. They have been a real asset to Bury and make a big difference to people’s lives, and we are delighted to give them this honour in recognition of their effort and dedication.”

The ceremony will be streamed by Digital Tree Media, and residents can watch live from 6pm at http://new.digitaltreemedia.co.uk/burycouncil/

ENDS

Press release issued: 10 October 2017.

Picture: Former councillor Alan Matthews, to be given Freedom of the Borough.